Nexus pass while waiting for K1

[kuro 0]

Has anyone applied for and used a nexus pass for border crossings while waiting for their K1?

I would like to visit my USC fiance a few times while waiting to be approved and thought that having a nexus card would make it easier instead of being pulled into secondary each time.

Also, what do people say? I'm visiting my boyfriend/girlfriend or fiance?

[sdw 10]

I am not sure about the Nexus part, sorry.

I have answered boyfriend, fiance and now husband. I cross regularly and haven't been pulled into secondary. The amount of questions asked depends on the border officer.

Edited May 22, 2009 by sdw

[Peachey 10]

I visited my fiance, had a copy of my NOA1 with me and a letter from my boss basically saying that if I didn't come back, I would lose my job and all the benefits. The letter from my boss qualifies as "ties to Canada".

I wasn't pulled into secondary and as soon as the border guard saw my NOA1 he said "This piece of paper is saving you A LOT of hassle" and basically gave it back to me and let me go.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

If he is your boyfriend, you say boyfriend; if he is your fiance, you say fiance. You carry proof of your ties to Canada - including a copy of whatever immigration process you are going through. I was pulled into secondary twice and that packet of papers allowed me to continue my journey into the US. The only time I didn't have it with me and was stopped was when I was crossing the border to pick him up at the airport and bring him back to my place - they let me through after searching the car and my purse and told me to stop in at the border on my way out of the country after picking him up - you can bet we did! So, be honest - if he is your fiance, say so - if they 'catch you' in a prevarication of any sort they could accuse you of trying to lie to the border authorities and you definitely DON'T want that to happen.

I don't know about the NEXUS either, but you should be able to travel back and forth without a problem - and be prepared with your list of documents if you do get called into secondary. If you are prepared, it still shouldn't be a problem. Good luck.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I don't think the Nexus card is very easy to get. If it was, a lot of people would have got one. It says its for "low-risk" travelers, which could mean a lot of things, but as someone who has demonstrated intent to immigrate to the US, I'm not so sure you could really show you are a low risk traveler. I've also heard that you need to go for an interview to be approved and I'm almost certain the fact you are a visa applicant will come up. If you don't mind spending some money then It might be worth a try, but I wouldn't be to optimistic.

After my fiance became my fiance I declared him as such... never caused me any more problems then when I said boyfriend.

[OBX 51]

I don't think the Nexus card is very easy to get. If it was, a lot of people would have got one. It says its for "low-risk" travelers, which could mean a lot of things, but as someone who has demonstrated intent to immigrate to the US, I'm not so sure you could really show you are a low risk traveler. I've also heard that you need to go for an interview to be approved and I'm almost certain the fact you are a visa applicant will come up. If you don't mind spending some money then It might be worth a try, but I wouldn't be to optimistic.

After my fiance became my fiance I declared him as such... never caused me any more problems then when I said boyfriend.

^^Agreed. Obtaining a Nexus card is more involved than simply filling in application. I am not sure of the cost but I do know that an interview is required. Good luck

[JillA 2]

My Dad and stepmom both have Nexus, as they travel to the US very frequently for both business and pleasure. It cost $50 back then but the price has been raised to $80 I believe. Valid for 5 years like the passport, and they did have to go for an interview. You get called for an interview after you send in the application.

[carslo 0]

I applied for and received my Nexus pass last May. At that time I had a CR-1 pending with my father. It involved 2 parts the actual application that is done on line and you are then conditional approved this cost $ 50.00 for 5 years. I did mine at the aiport in Vancouver as I wanted the iris scan too. If you have no criminal record there is no reason why you can't have the Nexus card that is what I was told at the interview. My cases was a bit complicated because in the Immigration and Customs computer I was still listed as a registered alien in the USA even though I left when I was 18 and returned to Canada and hadn't lived there since 1975. They made me promise that I would not try to illegally try to enter the USA and STAY while my CR-1 was being completed (my father's petition). I have not had any trouble using the iris scan at the airport, and this is after my husband's petition has been entered into the system. LindaB here on VJ has a Nexus pass also. It is they way to go in my humble opinion.

Good luck,

Janet

[CDAgirlMI 51]

I applied for & got a Nexus pass last March. At the "interview" (this was at Toronto Pearson Airport) they took me into a room & questioned me about the fact that I have a boyfriend in the US. ...wanted to make sure I wasn't getting the card to move over. I told them that I know the procedure(K1visa) on how to move over legally...

Anyways...they gave it to me & I love it. $50 for 5 years.

Since being engaged I have told the I am visiting my fiance & they don't look twice. I carry my ties to Canada, but have never been asked to see them.

I would recommend it to anyone travelling frequently. Not only do they grill you a lot less, there's never a line up.

[July09Bride 1]

How long does it take to get the card, once you send in the application?

[CDAgirlMI 51]

How long does it take to get the card, once you send in the application?

After you send in the application(which includes ID verification...I included copies of driver's license-front & back, & birth certificate), it took about a month or so till they sent me a letter saying it has been approved for an interview.

I had to wait a bit for the interview(busy?), but once they question you, take fingerprints, iris scan & photo ID, you get your card right then & there!

[kuro 0]

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to apply for it.

[chimcham 18]

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to apply for it.

I just did....very easy...submitted it online. I'm sure it will be worth it!

[carslo 0]

May 14th - used iris scan at Vancouver airport on the way to Los Angeles NO problems

May 24th - used iris scan upon arrival Vancouver airport No problems

The NEXUS pass is well worth the $50.00 even if you only use it a few times.

Janet

[kuro 0]

My interview is scheduled for next week. What kind of questions can I expect at the interview? Should I bring proof of ties to Canada?